Posted by Mitch on October 21, 2001, at 15:27:04
In reply to Re: Neurontin -max. dose with depakote, posted by Krazy Kat on October 21, 2001, at 12:15:14
> > Hi Wendy and Mitch and Susan:
> >
> Sorry, I didn't see this post until today.
>
> Mitch, your comments are always So helpful!
>
> Wendy, I started with Neurontin alone and it didn't do much for me. It was a little calming at first, but didn't really help until Topamax was added. Then I could tell a difference if I didn't take a Neurontin dose.
>
> Topamax has been too sedating so now I'm taking Depakote which has helped me quite a bit. Hadn't thought about keeping the Neurontin up - might be helpful. The Depakote really is stronger for me.
>
> No hair loss, no weight gain yet. But it feels more like a heavy med - Neurontin is so gentle (at least it was for me).
>
> I am having a difficult time coming to terms with being dependent on meds right now, myself. Going in for lab tests. Worrying about side effects. But I know I have to at some point... The mania sneaks back in, so does the depression. It's not going to go away.
>
> I could never take the doses of Neurontin you're being asked to take - it's just ludicrous. MHO.
>
> Is any other info helpful?
>
> - K.
>
> P.S. I was wondering if Lithium or Depakote was the better choice re: side effects - from what Mitch says, it sounds like Depakote.
Hi Krazy Kat,As far as Depakote versus Lithium goes that is soooo person specific. My experience has been that Depakote has the edge as far as antimanic effects, however I found lithium to be clearly better for depression. IF I didn't get so much cognitive dulling and diarrhea from the lithium I would prefer it over Depakote. However, some people find Depakote has a good antidepressant effect for them. As far as the hair loss I didn't notice any on Depakote (at 500mg/day). I DID however gain about 20 lbs., but I didn't *continue* to gain the weight (thank God!). All in all I think most people would find Depakote easier to *tolerate*, but many people will get a better positive response to lithium (esp. antidepressant). Also, I found Neurontin to have a clear antidepressant effect. If Depakote was a little more tolerable than lithium and the Neurontin has a mild AD effect, the combo of Depakote/Neurontin might work well for many.
Mitch
poster:Mitch
thread:56289
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/81899.html